If the lively Patong beach is not your scene, and you want somewhere more quiet and relaxing, head for the beaches in Phuket and Krabi.

Idyllic and boasting of stunning scenery, you'll feel you've reached paradise.

Tucked away to the south-east of Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands are just a short cruise away from the mainland.

Awe-inspiring rock formations rise from the turquoise sea in a gorgeous backdrop to a beautiful beach.

Hidden gems such as the unspoiled Ton Sai Bay await, where you can swim and snorkel with the fishes to your heart's content.

If you can't dive, the undersea aquarium there will still let you interact with the fishes in their natural habitat.

You can even feed the fish.

There are also quiet stretches of sand near Krabi, such as the Nopparat Thara Beach and Railay Beach.

The water recedes drastically from Nopparat Thara beach at low tide, and you can walk out to the small islands in front of the beach.

In the Phra Nang Cave, a tourist attraction at Railay Beach, you can learn more about the local legends, history and heritage.

The mysterious cave is dedicated to an ancient fertility goddess, and visited by both tourists and locals who hope for increased potency.

Railay Beach, accessible only by boat, is actually made up of four beaches - Tonsai, Railay West, Railay East and Phra Nang.

These beaches are nestled between high limestone cliffs that appeal to rock-climbing enthusiasts.

Climbing equipment, lessons and instructors are all available for a price. When you're up on the cliffs, remember to check out the stalactites that appear to drip into the ocean.

But if you're not the active sort, don't worry, you'll can simply lounge on the beautiful beaches.

INDEPENDENT

Such vacations are meant to be relaxed and unhurried, and it's best to explore and enjoy these beaches at your own leisure.

A good option would be CTC's Fully Independent Traveller (FIT) packages.

Air tickets, accommodation and airport-hotel transport are all included, and you'll even get one additional night free if you pay for two nights' stay.

In addition to the standard FIT packages, CTC also offers optional beach packages to specific locations within Phuket and Krabi, such as the Phi Phi Islands.

Customers will have to pay an additional amount to enjoy these optional packages, but they're a definite plus if you know where you want to go.

This article was first published in The New Paper on June 20, 2008.